…Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29, NLT

So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Romans 14:19, NLT

ESTN was founded as the Lord spoke to Pastor Bill about speaking life to colleagues in ministry and the family at Alive. He began by writing and mailing 1 encouraging note per week to 1 colleague and 1 person in the congregation at Alive. Over the past few years, the response to ESTN has been tremendous.

Those who receive encouraging notes share how the notes came at “God” moments- exactly at a time when they were demoralized or broken. Many count these encouraging notes as key moments in their faith, a breath that helped them catch a second wind.

Those who write notes are often humbled at how such a simple act impacts lives so deeply. Participating in ESTN has helped different people realize that they too have a ministry, and one that makes such a tangible difference in others’ lives and faith.

While ESTN began with encouraging cards or notes sent by mail, other ideas for ESTN have come to include:

• Taking someone for coffee or a snack
• writing an email, or making a phone call
• preparing and delivering a meal
• purchasing a small gift to express love

We encourage you to begin today! Please feel free to experiment and come up with other ways to encourage others- we would appreciate any new ideas you come up with- we’d love to hear from you via mail, email, phone or fax.